He's also the star of the six-part series "Everest Air" (10 p.m., Travel, TV-PG) that follows the real-life experiences and adventures of Evans and his skilled crew of Sherpas and helicopter pilots as they struggle to save climbers who have been injured or have gone astray.

Everyone who attempts to conquer the summit pushes themselves to the limits of their strength and endurance. Sometimes the mountain wins.

- While we're on the theme of feeling above it all, "Nature" (8 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) explores the mysterious world of giraffes.

Among the world's most popular creatures, giraffes remain an enigma. And like many species, they are in great jeopardy.

"Nature" profiles Dr. Julian Fennessy of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, an organization that has discovered many hitherto unknown facts about giraffes while seeking ways to save their dwindling population.

While following giraffes migrating through African deserts, the scientists were surprised by the fact that the animals never seemed to drink. Apparently, they get enough water from eating leaves. And their habit of nibbling on the fauna have made giraffes one of the world's great pollinators and seed spreaders.

I never thought of giraffes and bumblebees as having much in common until now. Thanks, "Nature."

- "Secrets of the Dead" (10 p.m., PBS, TV-PG, check local listings) returns for a 16th season to explore the remarkably intact remains of a Bronze Age settlement dating back more than 3,000 years.

Preserved in fetid water all of these years, the village was found at the site of a quarry and may change our understanding of the nature of civilization from that era by offering up secrets about ancient architecture and "city" planning.

The presence of glass beads gives evidence of trade with tribes and cultures located far beyond the British Isles.

Long before Jon Stewart, David Letterman or "Weekend Update" on "Saturday Night Live," Sahl was mixing topicality and humor. He's been around long enough to have influenced comedians including Lenny Bruce and Woody Allen.

He was closely associated with President John F. Kennedy, who asked Sahl to write jokes for him. A full half-century ago, Sahl was a critic of television news, accusing the format of "spoon-feeding" the public.

Tonight's other higlights

- Rich Dotcom returns on "Blindspot" (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14).

- The Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs meet in Game 2 of the World Series (8 p.m., Fox).

Joel McHale, Abbi Jacobson and Jon Glaser are booked on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" (11:35 p.m., CBS) ... Jimmy Fallon welcomes Justin Timberlake, Tracey Ullman and Stanaj on "The Tonight Show" (11:35 p.m., NBC) ... Ewan McGregor, Isla Fisher and Niall Horan appear on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" (12:35 a.m., CBS).

kevin.tvguy@gmail.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.